Message of condolences of President Barroso to Mr Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China

Message from Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, to His Excellency Mr Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China:

"Dear Mr President,

I would like to express, on behalf of the European Commission and in my own name, my sincere condolences to you and to the Chinese people for the loss of lives due to the heavy rains and landslides in the county of Zhouqu. I am shocked by the scale of the devastation caused by this natural disaster, but at the same time heartened by the rapid and effective efforts deployed by the Chinese authorities to provide help to the populations in need and prevent further casualties. Let me assure you of the solidarity of the European Commission in these difficult times.